mutelife

Since the first time we’d been to Kyoto I wanted to visit a legit dry zen garden, and we found a couple of decent ones but I always craved for something larger than life.

When I read about Ryoan-ji I knew I had found the spot we’re looking for and were very, very excited to visit it. Ryoan-ji, or the Temple of the Dragon at Peace, is considered to be one of prime examples of dry landscape in Japan.

It immediately stuck out as one of the highlights of our trip. It’s not only about the relaxed environment or the contemplation of what could be a seemingly disparate collection of rocks. It’s way more than that.

It’s about the contrast between the dry garden and the dense, green garden that holds it. It’s about cherishing the moment. It’s about accepting the transience and imperfections of that place (wabi-sabi), as it tries to mirror human life in every little stone.